During the weekly press briefing by the Ministry of Information and Communication (MOIC), Minister of Sport Augusta James Teima addressed the long-standing issue of the National Stadium and outlined comprehensive plans for sports development in the country.

Minister Teima began by assuring citizens that, by the end of this year, the much-anticipated National Stadium would be ready for use. She emphasized that the facility would boast state-of-the-art security and safety features, marking a crucial milestone in the nation’s sports infrastructure.

Highlighting the historical challenges faced by the country, especially in losing matches due to playing home games abroad, Minister Teima pledged that Leone Stars would soon resume playing their home matches at the upgraded National Stadium.

However, the Minister didn’t limit her announcement to the National Stadium. She unveiled broader initiatives aimed at transforming the sports landscape, with a primary focus on establishing mini stadia across the nation. Teima emphasized the collaborative efforts involving the Ministry, the National Sports Authority (NSA), and various football stakeholders to create accessible and high-quality pitches for individuals with football talent.

In addition to the physical infrastructure, Minister Teima outlined plans for human capital development, emphasizing the need to enhance the capabilities of both referees and players. Proper training, she argued, would contribute to better decision-making on the field and, consequently, reduce the incidence of violence in sports.

Acknowledging the challenges posed by limited resources and untimely fund disbursement, Minister Teima introduced the Sports Development Fund. This fund, she explained, would play a pivotal role in mobilizing financial support for sporting activities, ensuring timely interventions and meeting the financial obligations of diverse sports disciplines.